Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Liberal MP Andrew Hastie for standing up to the One Nation party during a parliamentary Question Time session.
The exchange marks a rare moment of public alignment between the Labor Prime Minister and a prominent member of the Liberal opposition. It highlights the growing tension between mainstream conservative figures and the right-wing One Nation party.
During the session, Albanese addressed the political pressure facing Hastie, the Member for Canning. He noted the ongoing discourse regarding Hastie's political future and his intent to seek re-election.
"There’s a lot of chatter about the Member for Canning, who’s insisting he’s running again and good luck to you," Albanese said [2].
The Prime Minister's comments followed a period of friction between Hastie and One Nation. The party has targeted Hastie over his positions on various issues, including the alleged war-crimes case involving Ben Roberts-Smith [3].
Albanese stated his preference for Hastie's approach over that of the One Nation party during the parliamentary debate.
"Certainly, if it’s you or One Nation, I’m for this bloke, that’s where I come from, and good on you for standing up to them," Albanese said [2].
The commendation occurred in the Australian Parliament chamber, where the Prime Minister acknowledged Hastie's willingness to confront the party despite the political risks involved.
“"Good on you for standing up to them."”
This interaction suggests a strategic effort by the Labor government to isolate One Nation by validating mainstream conservative voices that oppose the party's tactics. By publicly supporting a Liberal frontbencher, Albanese emphasizes a divide between traditional party politics and the populist right, framing Hastie as a preferable alternative to One Nation's influence in the Australian Parliament.
